Raymond "Ray" Graves

Raymond “Ray” Graves, of Somerset, KY (formerly of Mount Vernon)—father, farmer, brother and friend—died in hospice care on Friday, December 17, 2021, after a chronic illness. He was 69 years old.

Ray was born on September 28, 1952, to Leonard and LaVada Graves in Sand Springs, KY. From a young age, he was fascinated by the sciences, and found particular interest in the separate areas of study in pathology and horticulture. After graduation at Mount Vernon High School, he was accepted at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington DC, prior to being drafted by the Army and serving honorably during an extended tour in Vietnam. 

Ray was a naturalist and enjoyed a lifetime of farming.  He was valued as a farmer who practiced organic farming and raising free range chickens before there was a name for this style of farming. 

Ray is survived by his daughter, Rochelle Graves-Shelton (Bill) of Gravel Switch, KY; grand-daughter Stephanie Marx (Jacob) of Bowling Green, KY; and brothers Clinton (Lynn) and Dallas of Mount Vernon. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lena and Vina Lou and brothers Stanley and Boyd.

At Ray’s request, his body will be donated to the University of Tennessee for the advancement of science. A memorial service will be held and announced by the family at a later date. In honor of Ray, please plant a fruit or nut tree in his memory or send a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.